CLUBHOUSE / FALL 2026
GAME MODEL & PRACTICE

Compact vertically and horizontally

Club game model · 11v11 / 4-3-3

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TEAM PRINCIPLECreate defending shapeSUB-PRINCIPLE

Compact vertically and horizontally

Connect the front line, midfield, back line and goalkeeper around the ball.

Required player actions

  • #9 and the wingers set a connected front line rather than chasing separate defenders.
  • #6, #8 and #10 close gaps between and beside one another as the ball travels.
  • #4 and #5 move the back line with ball pressure; #1 stays connected without exposing the goal.
COACHING QUESTION

Where is the largest gap in our block?

View example practices
Preventing build upAttacking half
12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Blue wash: Attacking half · Gold box: Connections between the pressing lines · Gold rings: key roles

Blue plays toward the top goal. The shaded area identifies the phase; supporting roles may sit outside it. All 22 players retain their 4-3-3 positions.

Back to sub-principle
EXAMPLE PRACTICES

Compact vertically and horizontally

22 players · 11v11 · 4-3-3

Connect the high block

12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Starting picture · Blue: Northbridge · Sand: opposition · Gold rings: focus players · White dot: ball

A starting picture for the practice, with the focus players highlighted. Both teams keep their 4-3-3 roles; movement and decisions develop through live play.

Organization

11v11 on a full pitch with two regulation goals, normal offside and both teams in a 4-3-3. Restart with the opposition goalkeeper; our front three begin high and all other players take realistic supporting positions.

Practice task

The opponent builds toward our goal. #9 guides play wide; the front three, midfield and back four move around the ball together. Play continues through a regain or a broken press.

What to observe

Opponents cannot receive freely between our lines, and #1 and the back four can still deal with a ball behind.

Progression

Allow the opponent to alternate short build-up and direct passes so our line height responds to pressure.

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Club-authored practice examples applying this sub-principle. Adapt pitch dimensions, bout lengths and challenge to the players; the source framework is for U13-U14.

Related sub-principles

Adapted from the supplied U.S. Soccer Player Development Framework · U13-U14 Game Model and Learning Plan, pp. 28, 34. Definitions are summarized; specific player responsibilities, coaching questions and practice examples are club applications. Not an official U.S. Soccer product or endorsement.